Iron Gate and Fence c. 1936

Ray Price made this drawing of an iron gate and fence sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century using watercolor and graphite on paper. The drawing illustrates how the robust material of iron can be transformed through craft into something beautiful and intricate. It emphasizes how gates and fences made from iron were painstakingly crafted, with each component forged and assembled by hand. The design combines geometric shapes, floral motifs, and sharp finials, showcasing a blend of functionality and ornamentation. This kind of metalwork demands the skilled labor of blacksmiths, whose work was essential to the industrial and architectural landscape of the time. By focusing on the ironwork, Price invites us to consider the social context of the work and labor involved in such creations. It bridges the gap between the functional and the artistic.